Mercado Little Spain — Review by Eater
New York, United States — Spanish
Mercado Little Spain is a comprehensive Spanish food destination in New York featuring multiple restaurants and kiosks dedicated to authentic Spanish cuisine. The kitchen executes traditional dishes with precision, from perfectly charred ribeyes cooked close to embers to tender suckling lamb and over 1,500 daily croquetas. This is a love letter to Spain that successfully brings Spanish food culture and the tapas way of life to America.
What was great: Exceptional ribeye cooked with perfect char and crust, tender suckling lamb with crispy skin, creamy croquetas that are best sellers, authentic gazpacho, traditional paella made by the book, skilled ham carving, variety of Spanish tapas and dishes, authentic recreation of Spanish food culture
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The review showcases an impressive array of Spanish specialties prepared with meticulous attention to traditional methods. The ribeye is cooked directly over embers with generous seasoning, achieving a perfect caramelized crust. What makes it exceptional is the technique of breaking down the steak by its different muscle groups, cooking each separately to ensure perfect doneness throughout, resulting in what the chef calls the perfect bite when paired with piquillo peppers.
The suckling lamb is introduced as a rare find in America, pre-cooked in terracotta bowls with water and salt in a wood-fired brick oven for two and a half hours before being flash-finished during service to achieve a crispy skin. The lamb is described as remarkably tender and flavorful, coiling away from the bone beautifully. A standout preparation features lamb cheeks stewed with sherry wine in a rich sofrito sauce, simmered for five to six hours with carrots, sweet onions, and Spanish white wine.
The croquetas are produced at a staggering rate of 1,500 daily, made with a bechamel base, chicken stock, and heavy cream that's chilled overnight before being breaded and fried. These are presented as the signature tapa and best seller. The gazpacho is prepared by the book with fresh vegetables macerated overnight with salt, olive oil, vinegar from Jerez, and bread that helps emulsify the oil, topped with vegetable and bread croutons. The paella features chicken and rabbit with artichokes, green beans, garrofó, saffron-infused water, and bomba rice that quadruples in size, creating a dish where all components work in harmony.
Additional highlights include the tortilla española made from scratch with potatoes, onions, and eggs cooked to silky perfection, and various cured ham selections showcasing the artistry of Spanish butchers.
The Experience
Mercado Little Spain operates as more than just a restaurant - it's a market environment with three full restaurants and ten kiosks creating a comprehensive Spanish food experience. The venue is positioned along the High Line, one of New York's most iconic walkways. The atmosphere captures the essence of Spanish plazas where communities gather, with La Barra celebrating Spanish bar culture and tapas, and Chula focusing on Spain's deep meat grilling traditions.
The kitchen operates with military precision, with all dishes prepared in a central kitchen before being finalized during service at individual restaurants. Multiple dishes are prepared in advance - croquetas rest overnight, lamb is pre-cooked before service, and preparations like the cheek stew are made multiple times per week to maintain quality and consistency.
Value and Pricing
Specific pricing is not detailed in the transcript, though the comprehensive nature of the facility and quality of ingredients suggests mid to high-range pricing typical of a major New York culinary destination.
Notable Moments
Mercado Little Spain at the end was kind of like bring the country I love and where I come from to the country I adore and where now I belong.
It's not lamb. This is the lamb of the gods.
I think croquetas I have no doubt one day it's going to be as iconic in America as hot dogs.
What you see here is not bubbles. What you see here is happiness. What you see here is people getting along together.
Somebody told me the other day, I came in not knowing what to expect, but now that I'm leaving, I cannot wait to come back.
The Verdict
Mercado Little Spain represents a comprehensive and authentic celebration of Spanish cuisine in New York, successfully translating the food culture, techniques, and philosophy of Spain to an American audience. The execution is meticulous across all dishes, from the simplest tapas to complex preparations like paella and multi-hour braised meats. This destination is ideal for anyone seeking genuine Spanish food prepared by chefs who understand the depth of Spain's culinary traditions, whether experiencing it through casual tapas at the bar or more elaborate sit-down courses. The venue's scale and variety make it suitable for diverse dining occasions while maintaining unwavering quality standards.